It’s become 'dhanda', quantity has killed quality: Nawazuddin Siddiqui on quitting OTT platforms

By Tanmayi Savadi

on October 31, 2021 12:27:52 PM

Nawazuddin Siddiqui was among the first few Bollywood stars to venture into the OTT space. He starred in Netflix's Sacred Games franchise as gangster Ganesh Gaitonde. The show was lauded by the critics as well as the audience. Now, as we are witnessing a digital boom due to the pandemic, Nawazuddin has announced that he is quitting OTT platforms.

Talking to an entertainment portal, Nawazuddin said OTT has become a dumping ground. He told, "The platform has become a dumping ground for redundant shows. We either have shows that don’t deserve to be seen in the first place. Or sequels to shows that have nothing more to say."

He further added that when Sacred Games happened, there was a certain degree of excitement to explore the new medium. He felt there is no freshness left in the platform now. "When I did Sacred Games for Netflix, there was an excitement and challenge around the digital medium. New talent was being given a chance Now that freshness is gone," Nawazuddin shared.

Nawazuddin felt OTT has become a 'dhanda' and quantity has ruined quality. "It’s become dhanda (racket) for big production houses and actors who are now so-called stars on the OTT platform. Major film producers in Bollywood have cut lucrative deals with all the big players in the OTT field. Producers get whopping amounts to create unlimited content. Quantity has killed quality," he added.

The actor also said, "When I can’t bear to watch them how can I bear to be in them? Yeh star system bade parde ko kha gaya. Now we have so-called stars on OTT claiming big money and throwing tantrums like Bollywood A-listers. They forget content is king. Woh zamana chala gaya when stars ruled. Before this lockdown and the digital domination, A-listers would release their films in 3,000 theatres across the country. People had no choice but to see them. Now they have unlimited choices."

Nawazuddin's films Raat Akeli Hai (Netflix), Ghoomketu (ZEE5) and Serious Men (Netflix) released on OTT. He will be seen in Bole Chudiyan, Jogira Sara Ra Ra, Heropanti 2 and Adbhut.

(Source: Bollywood Hungama)